Be it diabetes, cholesterol, or many others problems in youngsters, doctors say more focus should be on lifestyle – food and exercise – right from the young age. There are several instances of even school-going children diagnosed with diabetes or thyroid, they point out.
Lifestyle-related problems are mainly obesity, thyroid, and cholesterol. Nutritionist says that a large number of women has thyroid problems and diabetes is increasing among men and women. The main reasons for these are lack of exercise, skipping of meals, not taking food properly, etc.
General Physician Nedumaran says that people should follow proper diet, exercise regularly, walk for an hour daily and should not skip breakfast. And, food should be consumed at the right time.
He suggests a box of fruits or milk products for children who leave home early for school.
For those who do not have time to take a break at work, nutritionist Manikandan suggests green tea, fruits, and fibre biscuits instead of tea or coffee.
Fitness trainer Selva Kumar says that every person who is above 30 years will face drop in muscle strength. With increasing awareness and as a stress-relief activity, many prefer going to a fitness centre. There, they are trained in exercises and weights depending on their age. This does give the required health benefit, he says.
Mr. Kumar also suggests that those aged above 30 years, should reduce intake of oily food and junk food to maintain normal cholesterol levels. Problems such as indigestion, blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes are becoming common and the main reason is not eating at the right time or avoiding nutritious food. Food with high carbs and sugar content should be avoided.
Those aged above 40 years, should increase protein intake to maintain the testosterone level at normal, he says.
He suggests simple exercises, which can be done even while one is at work or has to spend long hours at office.
These include spot jogging for a few minutes, push ups, sit ups, etc.
M. Nitheash and
B. Bijin Simon
